The Suzuki Intruder has long been a preferred choice of plenty of fans. In fact, since the time when the first model debuted in '85, it has persisted as a celebrated motorcycle in the new markets and used markets both. Let's find out why.
When a person longed to have a cruiser in the eighties, he had a slim selection. Mainly, he could go with a Harley-Davidson or get nothing at all. That was great and all if you liked Harleys, but what if you wanted a different cruiser?
That's where the Japanese cruiser imports came into use.
As soon as the Japanese motorcycle builders discovered they could make money on the cruiser buying American public, it didn't take the four major companies any time at all to come out with their own brand of cruiser. This was excellent for those who were not adverse to purchasing something not made in America. For about half the price in most cases a rider could have a brand new cruiser that was just as useful and comfortable as its American vis a vis.
But there was a small issue. Though all four principal Japanese manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) came out with their own models, it was Suzuki who seemed to get it right first with its Suzuki Intruder motorcycle. The other manufacturer's cruisers seemed to cross a cruiser style with a street bike functionality, a hodgepodge that most riders found a little on the ugly side. The 1986 VS700 Intruder, however, was clean, pure cruiser from start to finish.
We'll start by delving a little into the engine. The Intruder's engine is a 45-degree v-twin with overhead cams. This configuration holds true for all Intruder series of motorcycles (VS700, VS750, VS800, VS1400, etc.). The cooling method for these motorcycles--other than the VS1400, which is both oil cooled and air cooled--is by liquid. The tranny shares the same case as the crankshaft. The resulting power is delivered to the back wheel by way of a shaft drive as opposed to a chain.
Though you can have a cruiser without a v-twin, this engine style is considered the zenith among cruiser fanatics.
With the proper motor in place, Suzuki concentrated on not only rider comfort, but cruiser style as well.
Looking at the rider's pilot position, Suzuki made certain that the Intruder had a comfortably low-slung seat with forward positioned (though not radically forward) driver pegs and forward controls. The handlebars additionally served to both look the cruiser part and put the operator's wrists and hands into natural positions.
With the rider comfortable and good to go, Suzuki accomplished what the others did not: they cleaned up and uncluttered the entire bike.
The different cables were either tucked away or ordered so they did not stick out like a sore thumb. This also held true for the wiring system. The dash setup, for want of a better term was tidy without instrument gauges and lights that were practically useless on these cruiser styles. Only one instrument, a speedometer, and one warning light box were used. These things gave you all you had to know from whether the bike was overheating to the speed you were traveling.
The front end forks had a pleasing angle to them. Almost chopper-like. This was good because the rest of the Intruder also adopts this look. From the front end to the back end, the Intruder is tenuous and displays virtually no extra bulk.
What about the chrome? Have I mentioned the chrome? These rides had lots of it but not in the extreme and not to the point of being tawdry, either. Just the right about to give the motorcycle a little flash.
So with the proper style and performance in the bag, it's no surprise that this little cruiser stole the hearts of so many bikers over the years. Oh, and the low price/high value didn't hurt either!
If you are on the lookout for a new or used cruiser, I suggest you take a gander at the Suzuki Intruder motorcycle if you don't already have one in your sights.
About the Author
Marty Smythe, aka the suzukiintruderman, has long been an admirer of the Suzuki Intruder. An all weather rider, he takes his cruiser everywhere he goes, rain or shine. For more on his opinions on this neat motorcycle, check his site by clicking here, Suzuki Intruder Motorcycle.
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